Notice given on local port dissolution

October 16, 2013

WEIRTON - West Virginia Public Port Authority Executive Director James York issued formal notice Tuesday of the state board's decision to dissolve the local port authority.

York sent certified letters to Mayor George Kondik, as well as Brooke and Hancock County commissioners and the port's director documenting the WVPPA's Oct. 3 decision to dissolve the Weirton Area Port Authority.

Kondik had asked the state panel in a Sept. 17 letter to intervene, citing growing concerns over lawsuits, vendor payments and disputed contracts involving the port.

York said WVPPA had taken the action "due to (the city's) request and outline of a significant unresolvable issue between the city and the Weirton Area Inland Port District and outlining concerns to your local citizenry and taxpayers and specifically vendors doing business with the local port authority."

"The state of West Virginia remains constant on our desire to work with local governments as well as private industry in growing our economy," he added.

WAPA Chairman B.J. DeFelice could not be reached this morning for comment.